[Selected health complaints, allergic diseases, hygiene behaviors and knowledge of biohazards among workers of waste sorting plants]

Abstract

BACKGROUNDBackground: Recycling workers belong to a high risk occupational group because of their contact with high concentrationsria and moulds at the workplace. The aim of the study was to assess the selected elements of health in workers, their knowledge of exposure to biological agents, potential health effects and preventive measures.

Material and methods: The questionnaire survey was carried out among 69 workers of two sorting waste plants.

Results: Knowledge of harmful health effects of biological agents was observed in 64% workers, but only 18% of respondents were able to give an accurate example of diseases caused by them. For 42% of workers their employers were the major source of acquired knowledge. All respondents used personal preventive measures, washed hands before eating and after work, however, 7% of them consumed meals at the workplace. Acute upper respiratory tract symptoms were found in 64% of respondents, dry and persistent cough in 33%, paroxysmal dyspnea and/or whistling breath in 19%, eye troubles in 36%, and skin troubles in 14%. Those symptoms showed varied frequency and intensity. Allergic diseases were diagnosed in 23% of workers, including 11% of those with allergy diagnosed before commencing the employment at the sorting plant.

Conclusions: The compulsory training in occupational health and safety concerning the occupational exposure to biological agents should be expanded for this occupational group. The intensity of acute upper respiratory tract symptoms with allergic background that increased at work in the majority (77%) of workers indicate the adverse effects of bioaerosol on the worker's health. To protect health of workers it is needed to intensify preventive activities aimed at minimizing bioaerosol concentrations at the workplace and making the protection of eyes, skin and respiratory system much more effective.